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Alcohol is the most commonly used drug among teens in the US. Although it can be normal for teens to experiment with alcohol as they seek independence, the risks of underage drinking can negatively affect the developing teen brain and cause problems that follow them into adulthood.
Understanding the long-term risks associated with underage drinking and strategies to prevent this problem is important for parents and caregivers so they can provide proper intervention and support.
Understanding The Dangers of Underage Drinking
Alcohol is widely accepted around the world, especially in social settings. Although drinking in moderation as an adult is fine, for teens it can cause problems that impact their mental and physical health.
Many teens drink to feel more social or confident, reduce stress, and negatively cope with mental health problems. Studies show that the younger someone is when they start drinking, the risk of alcohol addiction in adulthood increases drastically.
According to the CDC, excessive underage drinking is responsible for over 4,300 deaths per year. Alcohol can damage the liver, kidneys, cardiovascular system and increase the risk of serious injury. Underage drinking among teens can increase the risk of.
- Car accidents
- Sexual assault
- Violence or fighting
- Suicide
Brain Development and Binge Drinking
Over 90% of underage alcohol use is from binge drinking. Binge drinking is drinking large amounts of alcohol in a short period (4-5 drinks in 2 hours), with the intention of getting intoxicated.
Binge drinking is especially dangerous for teens because it can increase the risk of alcohol-related accidents and stunt brain development.
The teenage brain is in a vulnerable stage going through rapid changes. Key regions like the pre-frontal cortex that controls decision-making, reward processing, and motivation are all still being formed. Binge drinking can affect brain structure and function, increase grey matter in the brain, and alter normal development of brain connections.
Short and Long-Term Effects of Underage Drinking
The consequences of underage drinking cause both short and long-term effects that can impact a teen´s daily life and success in the future. Some of the short-term effects of underage drinking include:
- Alcohol poisoning
- Chronic hangovers
- Academic decline
- Strained relationships
- Depression
- Anxiety
If underage drinking becomes a habit and parents do not intervene, this can cause detrimental long-term effects that impact teens over the course of their lives. Some of these include:
- Increased risk of physical health problems such as liver or kidney disease
- Triggering underlying mental health problems
- Problems in school or the workplace
- Memory loss
- Impaired judgment and decision-making
- Legal problems
- Financial troubles
Underage Drinking Prevention
It’s the responsibility of parents, caregivers, educators, and community leaders to take the necessary steps to prevent underage drinking among teens. Building an environment that encourages less drinking among young people and families can go a long way in changing the way teens approach alcohol use.
Some strategies for parents to prevent underage drinking:
- Make alcohol unavailable in the house
- Don’t just tell your teen alcohol is bad. Explain to them the risks it has on their brain and body
- Build open communication so your teen comes to you in times of need
- Have a safe word with your teen to use in emergencies
- Ensure they can call you if they are drinking to reduce driving while drunk
- Set consequences of what will happen if they are caught drinking
- Encourage them to get involved socially
- Teach them healthy ways to cope with stress (mindfulness activities such as yoga or journaling)
Some strategies for community leaders to take to prevent underage drinking include:
- Reduce the number of places that sell alcohol
- Raise taxes on the price of alcohol
- Ensuring teens have access to mental health services so they don´t turn to unhealthy coping mechanisms like drinking
Seeking Professional Help in Texas
If you identify warning signs of alcohol abuse in your teen, reach out for professional support to help find the best plan of treatment.
At Clearfork Academy our team of compassionate, licensed therapists understand the complex nature of substance abuse disorders in teens. Reach out to our Admissions team to learn more.
Sources
Current and Binge Drinking Among High School Students — United States. CDC.
Mike grew up on a dairy farm in Parker County, Texas. At the age of 59, he went back to college and graduated 41 years after his first graduation from Weatherford College. God placed on his heart at that time the passion to begin to help others as they walked from addictions, alcoholism, and abuse of substances. He is a Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor and in the past few years he has worn many hats, from intake and assessment, group counseling, individual and family counseling, intensive outpatient and now he is working with clients, therapist, and families on discharge planning and aftercare. He also coordinates our Alumni Outreach Program.
